The ritual described involves the priest using blood from a sacrificial offering to perform a purification rite. By placing blood on the horns of the altar of incense, the priest symbolically cleanses the sanctuary, making it holy and acceptable before God. This act signifies the removal of sin and impurity from the community, allowing them to maintain a close relationship with God. The altar of incense, located in the tent of meeting, represents the prayers and intercessions of the people rising to God.
Pouring the rest of the blood at the base of the altar of burnt offering underscores the gravity of sin and the need for atonement. It serves as a reminder of the cost of sin and the necessity of seeking God's forgiveness. These rituals were integral to maintaining the covenant relationship between God and the Israelites, emphasizing themes of repentance, purification, and divine mercy. While the specific practices have changed, the underlying principles of seeking forgiveness and striving for holiness remain central to Christian faith today.
